Incidence and correlates of 'catastrophic' maternal health care expenditure in India

• DOI: 10.1093/heapol/czp032
• Publication Date: 2009-08-18T00:50:36Z
• Authors: S. Bonu; I. Bhushan; M. Rani; I. Anderson
• Keywords: Decile; Consumption; Household income

Using data from the 60(th) round of National Sample Survey India (2004), study investigates incidence and correlates 'catastrophic' maternal expenditure (ME) in India. Data on ME come 6879 births that took place during 365 days prior to survey. The adapts earlier definitions methods for catastrophic total health care measure as: (i) more than 10% annual normative household consumption (ME-1), (ii) 40% 'capacity pay' (ME-2). was derived by subtracting state-wise poverty-line expenditure. average varied delivery: US dollar 9.5, 24.7 104.3 birth at home, a public facility private facility, respectively. Sixteen per cent households incurred while 51% While ME-1 increased with income decile, reverse observed ME-2, reflecting higher non-utilization institutional its non-affordability among poorer households. All poorest decile 99% second paid their capacity pay. Multivariate regression results indicate antenatal delivery facilities chances ME-2 (P < 0.001). Measuring against (ME-2) may be better measuring it as proportion overall when assessing financial constraints use services. Improving performance sector, appropriate regulation partnership effective direct cash transfers pregnant women increase utilization services reduce distress associated ME.